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2012 AMA Motocross Hangtown Results

Chaparral Motorsports

May 21, 2012

James Stewart Dominates Hangtown MX Opener

[caption id="attachment_12653" align="alignright" width="300"] James Stewart raced his RM-Z450 to victory in both 450 motos.[/caption]

Yoshimura Suzuki's James Stewart raced his RM-Z450 to victory in both 450 motos to take the overall win in round one of the AMA Motocross Championship at Hangtown in Sacramento, California at the weekend.

In his inaugural race on the Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 - and returning to the series after four years absence - Stewart was nothing short of flawless: The first moto saw him get a great start and take the lead on the first lap and from there, he slowly but surely created a gap and led all laps to take the win. In the second moto, Stewart got shuffled around a bit on the start but quickly made short shrift of the competition. Taking the lead, he rode a calculated, efficient race and again gapped the field while remaining in his comfort zone. Anything but victory was simply out of the question.

"I couldn't ask for anything better," said Stewart. "The Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 was really fast and consistent. In the first moto I got a great start and I was in the lead on the first lap. I rode my own race, and got a good gap and was able to win that one. In the second moto, I had to work for it. I had to come around some guys, then I was able to stay there and keep the pace. As the day went on, the Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 was just better and better and better. I have to give it up to the team for all their hard work. I don't want to get over-confident, but to start off like this - knowing this is one of my worst tracks - and know we can keep building, makes it so good."

Likewise, Australian team mate Brett Metcalfe turned in a promising performance in both motos. In the first one, Metcalfe got a good start on the Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 and worked his way up to second before fatigue set in and he finished fourth. In the second moto, Metcalfe again ran in a podium position before finishing fifth. At the end of the day, Metcalfe - who is in a three-way tie for third in Championship points - was happy to finish fifth overall.

[caption id="attachment_12664" align="alignleft" width="300"] Brett Metcalfe turned in a promising performance in both motos.[/caption]

"I've been looking forward to the start of the motocross season," said Metcalfe. "The Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 is working great and Motocross is a nice change of pace. In moto one, I got a top-five start and I was feeling strong. I made some moves early and moved up to second, but wasn't able to finish at the same intensity level I started with. Moto two was much the same, though I didn't have a very good start. My speed and skills on the Suzuki feel really good right now, so I was able to make passes and move through the pack. Again, I just wasn't able to finish the moto strong. We need to work on that, because if I want to contend for wins, that's what I've got to do."

As the Yoshimura Suzuki squad prepares for round two next weekend, both Stewart and Metcalfe are enthusiastic about the race in Texas. Stewart is particularly excited about the upcoming event because he'll be contesting it as the series points leader and, as a result, will run the leader's red number plate.

"Texas is going to be tough," said Stewart. "But we have to take it week by week. I get to ride the red plate on the Suzuki and that's pretty cool. This will be the first time I've ever had it, in Motocross or Supercross, so that should be pretty special."

Added Metcalfe: "I'm looking forward to Texas. That's always a physically-demanding track, so the Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 will work well there. We've got to go in confident, and after this round, get the appropriate rest, work hard this week and come out stronger for Texas and build from there."

Team Yoshimura Suzuki Racing's next event is the second round of the 2012 AMA Pro Motocross Championship on Saturday, May 26th, at the Freestone National in Wortham, Texas.

Source: Team Suzuki

Ryan Dungey Finishes 2nd At The Hangtown Motocross Classic

[caption id="attachment_12662" align="alignright" width="300"] Ryan Dungey earned 2nd overall - Photo: Hoppenworld.com[/caption]

Red Bull/KTM Factory rider Ryan Dungey earned 2nd overall at the first round of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Series aboard his KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition motorcycle.

Dungey suffered a poor start in the first moto to come around the step-up jump in 12th place but was able to move his KTM into 10th by the end of the first lap. From there he continued to pick up one or two positions while turning some of the fastest laps of the race in order to move up to 4th place by the halfway mark. He put a pass on Andrew Short to takeover the 4th place spot and soon began to reel in Brett Metcalfe. With four laps to go, he was able to make a pass stick on Metcalfe and move into 3rd place. He rode a mistake free race to the end in order to secure a podium spot at the finish.

When the gate dropped for the second moto, Dungey had a much better start than the first. He launched his KTM off the line to earn a 2nd place start. He and James Stewart pulled away from the group and began a chase for the number one spot. Dungey stayed within a few bike lengths of Stewart throughout the moto and at one point had the gap to less than one second. Unfortunately, in the final three laps, Dungey encountered some lappers that caused him to lose two additional seconds to Stewart and put him out of contention for the win. However, he was still able to finish in a strong spot and took home 2nd place at the conclusion of the second moto. His 3-2 results earned him 2nd overall for the day.

"I really enjoyed racing here today. I had some good luck and some bad luck but I'm glad to be on the podium and finish safely. I feel like my fitness was there today and I just need to get up front and out of traffic earlier to get my KTM up front. I am looking forward to the next round at Freestone Raceway.

Next Event: Wortham, TX - May 26, 2012

Source: KTM North America

Ken Roczen Earns 3rd At AMA Pro 250 Motocross Class Debut

[caption id="attachment_12650" align="alignright" width="300"] Ken Roczen finished on the podium for his debut - Photo: Hoppenworld.com[/caption]

Red Bull/KTM Factory rider Ken Roczen finished on the podium with a 3rd place result in his 250 Motocross class debut in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.

Roczen took the holeshot in the first moto and was followed closely by Justin Barcia. The two swapped positions around the fourth corner and Barcia took over the lead. Roczen remained close and didn't let Barcia out of his site. On the fifth lap, Roczen was able to close-up on Barcia and make a pass for the lead. Meanwhile, Blake Baggett had caught up to the group and the three riders began a great battle for the number one spot. Roczen held the lead for the remaining laps and on the final lap began a bar to bar race to the finish with Baggett. With only a few corners to go, Baggett was able to make a move on Roczen and finished just a split second ahead of him at the finish. Roczen held on for 2nd.

"I was bummed to lose the lead after holding off both Blake and Justin for so long during the moto, but I am happy to be on the podium in the first moto of my outdoor career," remarked Roczen.

Also putting together a strong ride in the first moto was the #38 machine of Marvin Musquin. He got a great start and was able to finish 5th in the first moto despite having surgery on his hand only two weeks ago.

[caption id="attachment_12665" align="alignleft" width="300"] Marvin Musquin finished 5th in the first moto - Photo: Hoppenworld.com[/caption]

"My hand gave me a little pain at the end of the race, but overall, I felt decent in the first moto and am glad to finish inside the top five," stated Musquin.

After a small break, the 250 Motocross athletes were back on the track and ready to go for the final moto. Musquin and Roczen both launched off the gate well and took a top five start around the first corner. Musquin came out 3rd while Roczen was sitting in 4th. The next lap they switched positions and Roczen took over the 3rd place spot. From that point on, Roczen maintained a steady pace and was able to hold on for 3rd place. His 2-3 finishes earned him 3rd overall for the day.

Musquin rode inside the top five for the first part of the moto but dropped below 15th after his hand began to bother him at the halfway point. He was able to recoup on the closing laps and was able to climb up to 14th before the finish. His 5-14 results earned him 9th overall for the day.

Next Event: Wortham, TX - May 26, 2012

Source: KTM North America

Jessica Patterson Wins Hangtown WMX

[caption id="attachment_12724" align="alignright" width="200"] Jessica Patterson started the 2012 season with an overall victory.[/caption]

Rockstar Energy Suzuki's Jessica Patterson started the 2012 season with overall victory at the weekend's opening round of the Women's MX Championship at the Lucas Oils AMA Motocross Championship at Hangtown in America.

Patterson - one of the most successful female motocross riders competing in the series - captured the overall victory with two second-placed moto finishes.

She said: "Today was pretty good. In the first moto I got a good start but I made a few mistakes and got passed, so I just rode the race out and finished second. In the second moto, I was leading for a while and made a good pass at the beginning, but then I made a mistake and crashed, but I came back and got second. At least I got the Overall and I'm happy with that. We'll just look forward to next week and hopefully come back with a one-one."

Topping out the 250 class for Rockstar Energy Racing was Martin Davalos. Although he struggled in the first moto and finished 14th, Davalos came back with a vengeance in moto two to card fourth. In the end, Davalos finished sixth overall for the day.

[caption id="attachment_12725" align="alignleft" width="300"] Martin Davalos struggled in the first moto but came back with a vengeance.[/caption]

"Hangtown started out a little rough," said Davalos. "We didn't qualify well, I got a horrible start in the first moto and then I couldn't find any momentum. But in the second moto, I got a good start and rode solid and I finished fourth. It was a good way to start the season and now I'm looking forward to Freestone."

Rockstar Energy Racing team mate Jason Anderson turned in a very consistent ride finishing eighth in the first moto and ninth in the second for eighth overall. In the second 250 moto, Anderson ran in the top five for much of the race before a small mistake pushed him back a few spots.

"My first moto was kind of mediocre," said Anderson. "I got eighth. In my second moto, I was rippin' up front and a guy got by my and then I stalled my bike. It was a good weekend overall, though, and I'm looking forward to racing in Texas."

[caption id="attachment_12727" align="alignright" width="300"] Jason Anderson turned in a very consistent ride finishing eighth overall.[/caption]

Like his team-mates, Blake Wharton struggled in the first moto before finding his rhythm in the second. Wharton finished 16th in the first moto, sixth in the second and took 12th overall for the day.

"I had some technical difficulties in the first moto," said Wharton. "The second moto was a lot better. I didn't get to race motocross last year so it's been a long time for me, but this track was really gnarly. I learned some things that I'm going to build on and I'm going to Texas next weekend and that should be nothing but good for me."

Rounding out the squad for Rockstar Energy Racing Suzuki was Hunter Hewitt, who put in a concerted effort in both motos: Hewitt finished 17th in the first, 16th in the second and wound up 18th overall at the end of the day.

Said Hewitt: "I got a good start in the first moto but I could have been more aggressive. I kept a solid pace and ended up 17th. In the second moto, I was a little fatigued but I got a better start. I was more aggressive but maintained my pace and ended up 16th. I haven't raced motocross in over a year so I'm happy with this. We'll go to Texas and set realistic goals and try to match them every weekend."

Source: Team Suzuki

JDR/J-Star/KTM Race Report - Hangtown MX

[caption id="attachment_12656" align="alignright" width="300"] Malcolm Stewart had an up and down weekend - Photo: Hoppenworld.com[/caption]

JDR/J-Star/KTM rider Malcolm Stewart had an up and down weekend at the opening round of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Series when he finished 26th overall in the 250 Motocross class.

Stewart had a decent practice session and was looking forward to the afternoon motos after earning the 13th fastest qualifying time. When the gate dropped for the first moto everything looked up for Stewart. He earned a top ten start and was sitting in 9th at the end of the first lap. He remained inside the top ten for the next five laps before dropping slightly to 12th place. He held that position until the final three laps when suffered a crash. Luckily, he was uninjured in the crash but it took him a minute to regain composure and reenter the track which cost him quite a few positions. He eventually crossed the finish line in 25th place for the first moto.

In the second moto, Stewart jumped off to a great start and was inside the top five heading into the first corner. Unfortunately another rider swapped out in front of him on the first lap of the race causing Stewart to crash as well. The crash resulted in a hurt elbow for Stewart and he could not finish the race. He was credited with 39th position. His combined moto scores earned him 26th overall for the day.

"This was definitely not the way we wanted to start the season," remarked Stewart after the race. "Unfortunately, I had a few crashes today that set me back and resulted in no points gained after the end of two motos. I really want to be inside the top five in points by the end of the season so we plan to turn things around quickly."

Next Event: Wortham, TX - May 26, 2012

Source: KTM North America

Hangtown Overview And Point Standings

2012 AMA Pro Motocross Hangtown Image Gallery (Click for full size images)

Overall Results: 450 Class - Moto 1 / Moto 2

James Stewart - 1 / 1
Ryan Dungey - 3 / 2
Mike Alessi - 7 / 3
Andrew Short - 5 / 4
Brett Metcalfe - 4 / 5
Broc Tickle - 6 / 7
David Millsaps - 2 / 14
Jacob Weimer - 10 / 6
Josh Grant - 9 / 8
Nico Izzi - 11 / 10
Kyle Chisholm - 13 / 9
Robert Kiniry - 12 / 13
Jimmy Albertson - 17 / 12
Tommy Hahn - 8 / 27
Mathew Lemoine - 19 / 11
Vince Friese - 15 / 18
Sean Collier - 14 / 24
Ryan Sipes - 25 / 15
Justin Brayton - 24 / 16
Nicholas Wey - 16 / 36

450 Motocross Point Standings - ( Round 1 of 12 )

James Stewart - 50
Ryan Dungey - 42
Mike Alessi - 34
Andrew Short - 34
Brett Metcalfe - 34
David Millsaps - 29
Broc Tickle - 29
Jacob Weimer - 26
Josh Grant - 25
Nico Izzi - 21
Kyle Chisholm - 20
Robert Kiniry - 17
Tommy Hahn - 13
Jimmy Albertson - 13
Mathew Lemoine - 12
Vince Friese - 9
Sean Collier - 7
Ryan Sipes - 6
Justin Brayton - 5
Nicholas Wey - 5

Overall Results: 250 Class - Moto 1 / Moto 2

Blake Baggett - 1 / 1
Justin Barcia - 3 / 2
Ken Roczen - 2 / 3
Ivan Tedesco - 6 / 5
Eli Tomac - 4 / 10
Martin Davalos - 14 / 4
Kyle Cunningham - 9 / 8
Jason Anderson - 8 / 9
Marvin Musquin - 5 / 14
William Hahn - 7 / 13
Jake Canada - 10 / 11
Blake Wharton - 16 / 6
Travis Baker - 15 / 12
Gareth Swanepoel - 12 / 15
Justin Bogle - 21 / 7
Jessy Nelson - 13 / 17
Kyle Peters - 11 / 30
Hunter Hewitt - 17 / 16
AJ Catanzaro - 18 / 18
Shane Sewell - 19 / 19

250 Motocross Point Standings - ( Round 1 of 12 )

Blake Baggett - 50
Justin Barcia - 42
Ken Roczen - 42
Ivan Tedesco - 31
Eli Tomac - 29
Martin Davalos - 25
Kyle Cunningham - 25
Jason Anderson - 25
Marvin Musquin - 23
William Hahn - 22
Jake Canada - 21
Blake Wharton - 20
Travis Baker - 15
Gareth Swanepoel - 15
Justin Bogle - 14
Jessy Nelson - 12
Kyle Peters - 10
Hunter Hewitt - 9
AJ Catanzaro - 6
Shane Sewell - 4

Overall Results - Women's Class - Moto 1 / Moto 2

Jessica Patterson - 2 / 2
Ashley Fiolek - 1 / 5
Tarah Gieger - 3 / 3
Meghan Rutledge - 8 / 1
Sayaka Kaneshiro - 5 / 4
Kasie Creson - 6 / 6
Mariana Balbi - 7 / 8
Sara Pettersson - 11 / 9
Lindsey Palmer - 10 / 11
Hailey Larson - 9 / 13
Jacqueline Strong - 14 / 10
Sara Price - 4 / 31
Amanda Maheu - 30 / 7
Alexah Pearson - 19 / 12
Sade Allender - 16 / 15
Amanda Brown - 13 / 18
Taylor Miller - 17 / 16
Sarah Whitmore - 12 / 21
Brittany Marcotte - 29 / 14
Jackie Ives - 15 / 29

Women's Motocross Point Standings - ( Round 1 of 8 )

Jessica Patterson - 44
Ashley Fiolek - 41
Tarah Gieger - 40
Meghan Rutledge - 38
Sayaka Kaneshiro - 34
Kasie Creson - 30
Mariana Balbi - 27
Sara Pettersson - 22
Lindsey Palmer - 21
Hailey Larson - 20
Sara Price - 18
Jacqueline Strong - 18
Amanda Maheu - 14
Alexah Pearson - 11
Amanda Brown - 11
Sade Allender - 11
Sarah Whitmore - 9
Taylor Miller - 9
Brittany Marcotte - 7
Jackie Ives - 6